What are the opinions on the performance value for Crane and Isky BB roller lifters versus the less expensive Lunati and Howards?? I know the COMP cams units are 'in the middle' so to speak but are the Lunati and Howard units just not worth the risk?

I`m running the Isky solid body rollers in mine and have for 13+ years w/one rebuild and stock lifter bores.............

You should look into who makes the lifters... there
is only a small hand full of manufactures that box
them up for many of the companies... I dont recall
the different manufactures off hand but some are made
better than others

Howards made by a company you can't research or find called Steen in NW USA Killer for the $$ for reasonable spring pressures like street / mild bracket

Most others are Morel--good enough for everybody for years but...they also make upgraded versions with pressure fed oil, bigger wheels etc and the best are about $700 --they make for almost EVERYBODY

Crower/ Isky / Comp Elite and all the top end stuff is about the same ( Iskys run smallest on diameter--can be good or bad) Bushed are not much more--all are $700 range and the most dependable for higher spring pressures like over 650 open and well above
DO NOT restrict oil to roller lifters in any way and This is DOUBLE important for the bushed units

Consider rollers a once a year deal in serious race engines--get them out before they experience axle failure--

There have been some terrible issues with Johnson rollers and with the many imports--which when buying--Who really Knows??

Ask your engine builder--he should KNOW where his lifters come from--
Just plan on $700 for serious lifters and you can use a Comp 829-16 for lots less with no worry IF you check them at end of the season--The Compa has the advantage of being a solid body--something ALL mfg's should do with BB Mopar IMO but never will--so...we use lots of 829-16's in bracket engines and ...they will fit in many aftermarket blocks that would otherwise need Grinding/ milling for lifter room--they are the Go To for many builders.
I do have a set of Howards / Steens in one of my personal race cars--Light valves--550 open and they have been doing an excellent job for cheap!

I have read good things about MRL Performance lifters, I am going to be ordering a set for my next engine in the new year.

I've been running the Herbert Roller cam, lifters and springs.

My engine builder said they looked like top notch stuff and they have worked great the past couple of years.

I have a baby roller at .570 but they are worth a look.

Herbert used to sell lots of Steens
He has new operation in Concord , NC sort of a rebirth--he scaled way down to concentrate on what they made the business on--roller cams and lifters, springs etc ask for TIM or ask for DOUG himself--tell them Kluttz said call--they will give you a KILLER deal on valve train parts

Mention me sending you and ONLY deal with Doug or Tim